BROOKFIELD -- One of the nation's most famous cartoon strips, "Peanuts,'' will come to life this weekend on the Brookfield High School stage as students recreate such iconic characters as Charlie Brown, Linus, Lucy, the Little Red-Headed Girl and Snoopy.

Despite delays prompted by Hurricane Sandy, the 40-member cast, crew and pit orchestra have stepped up the practice pace to be ready for what the performers describe as a "unique'' interpretation of the 1970s Broadway musical "You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown!''

Senior Zach Katz, who will personify Charlie Brown, said it has been challenging to fit rehearsals around missed school days, but with everyone's "hard work and dedication'' he thinks all will be ready for a show the community will appreciate.

"It's just so rewarding to put on a performance for all these people,'' Katz said, as he waved his hand around an empty auditorium he expects will be filled, come showtime.

Fellow senior cast member Dara Gillis, a redhead cast as none other than the Little Red-Headed Girl, whose name in this show is Heather, said every stage production is "such a good time.''

In the last three years as part of the theater company, Gillis said she has enjoyed meeting people she otherwise might never have known, and working together on a production to share with not only her peers but the community at large.

She said she expects that this show will resonate because it is rooted in a renowned comic strip, with characters who adults and children alike can embrace.

"I just love being on stage,'' Gillis said.

Traditionally, the school's fall show is a small cast comedy or drama, but director John LaMendola said there has been so much interest in the school's theater program that he opted to offer two musicals this year.

This particular show has just six main characters and a total cast of 17, with additional crew and pit orchestra members. In the spring, the next show will have another 65 or more, he said.

At Wednesday night's rehearsal, LaMendola said these shows teach students to think less of themselves as individuals but as part of an ensemble, building a responsibility and camaraderie that leaves an impression that lasts beyond the final curtain call.